Sulphur Neutralization by Lignite Ash: Pilot-Scale Combustion Experiments

Abstract

A pilot-scale research boiler (750 kg steam/hr) has been used to study the degree of sulphur neutralization during combustion experiments with three lignites. A series of four closely controlled experiments showed that sulphur balances close to 100 percent could be achieved in the pilot-scale system burning Gascoyne lignite; in these experiments the sulphur retained in solid phase residues varied between 21 and 24 percent of the input sulphur. It was also demonstrated with Utility lignite that external recirculation of flue-gas was moderately effective in reducing nitric oxide emissions at the expense of major increased in the carry-over of unburnt carbon. However, sulphur dioxide neutralization by the coal-ash cations remained essentially unchanged as the recirculation ratio increased. Enhancement of sulphur neutralization by dry lime addition to Poplar River lignite was only found to be effective at addition rates above 1/2 percent lime by weight. The effectiveness of the lime was found to increase as the excess-air level increased.